UL Lafayette Helps Students Cope With Flooding Challenges

Fall semester classes at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will begin Monday as scheduled, with some accommodations for students still affected by catastrophic flooding in the state.

UL Lafayette was closed Monday, but personnel responsible for student services were on the job.

“We’ve had to make some adjustments because of the extreme weather conditions, such as postponing Freshman Move-In Day from last Sunday to Wednesday, but operations have remained orderly,” said Dr. DeWayne Bowie, vice president for Enrollment Management.

Bowie said the University recognizes that students whose homes and property have been damaged by floodwater may be facing some unexpected challenges.

“The tuition payment deadline has been canceled. Students will now have more time to complete the payment process. We also have a payment plan for those who need to exercise that option,” Bowie said.

The Office of Housing has been working with students to accommodate changing needs for on-campus housing.

“All housing reservations are being honored unless canceled by the student. Our goal is to provide on-campus housing to as many students as possible. It may take a few days to sort everything out, but we’re trying to remain as flexible as possible,” he said.

The University has also started a fundraising campaign to make sure that flood-affected students can afford to enroll for the fall semester or remain enrolled.

Donations made to the University Annual Fund will be used to address the most immediate and urgent financial needs of students. Priority will be given to students whose attendance is at risk because of unexpected expenses associated with catastrophic flooding.

UL Student Move-In Day (UL Lafayette Photo)

All gifts to the University Annual Fund received by Sept. 30 will directly help students coping with flood-related challenges continue pursuing their educational goals this year.

Donations to the University Annual Fund can be made online, by mail or by phone.

Bowie said the University is dealing with many flood-related issues on a case-by-case basis.

“We’re trying to help as many students as possible with resources we have available right now. If federal financial assistance becomes available in the future, we’ll make students aware of it,” he said.

UL Lafayette’s campus did not sustain any significant flood-related damage, according to Bill Crist, director of Facilities Management.